Below follows Keith Azopardi, the Leader of the Opposition’s May Day and Workers Memorial Day Message:

As we look forward to another May Day and reflect on Workers Memorial Day we place at the forefront of our work a  desire to deliver financial stability to all and targeted economic help for those most in need. 

Ensuring the protection and enhancement of workers’ rights goes hand in hand with having a more buoyant economy  free of uncertainty. Regrettably the cloud of uncertainty remains because we still do not have clarity on the conclusion  of the talks for a treaty on a new relationship with the EU. The BREXIT referendum happened nearly 9 years ago and  we are, uniquely, still unclear about the future. This affects workers and businesses because that air of uncertainty makes it impossible for people to plan properly without really knowing the consequences of what is being negotiated 

or would be agreed. The fact that the Government is not providing much information also makes it hard for people to  plan. Again, that has consequences for business and for workers. 

We continue to hope that Gibraltar will achieve that measure of clarity this year with the conclusion of the long standing negotiations. As we have made clear we hope for a safe and beneficial agreement with the EU and will judge  that when it finally emerges.  

Having stronger public finances would also help workers, businesses and their families who for many years have had  to bear the brunt of Government financial recklessness or mistakes at budget time. Let us hope that when this year’s  budget arrives in coming months we do not see the appalling ill-thought through measures we have seen announced before that have been penal for business or for those lower paid in our community and which have caused swift  Government U-turns because of their detrimental effects. That kind of decision does not inspire huge confidence that  the Government is doing any proper thinking when it plans measures. For families suffering the pressure of cost of living increases and eroding wages the failure of Government to better plan hurts them most. 

Our commitment to hold this Government to continuing account remains as we plan for a better and brighter  economic future for your benefit and that of your families. 

I hope you had an enjoyable bank holiday Monday and wish you and your families all the best for May Day on Thursday.